Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs iPhone 13 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 13 are both prominent smartphones, released in early 2022 and late 2021, respectively. While both devices offer a premium smartphone experience, they cater to different preferences through their distinct operating systems and hardware philosophies. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs on Android, offering a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 13 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined user experience. A key difference lies in their display technology and camera capabilities, which we will explore in detail.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software support and repairability are important. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 13 offer a solid foundation for extended use, though their approaches differ.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 13, released in September 2021, is expected to receive major iOS updates for approximately 5 to 7 years, potentially until 2028 or 2029, with security updates extending even further. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, typically receives 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security updates from its release.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally scores well in repairability, with some teardowns giving it a score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating that many components are accessible for repair. The iPhone 13 initially received a lower repairability score of 5 out of 10 due to software locks on components like the screen, which could disable features like Face ID if replaced by unauthorized parties. However, a subsequent iOS update improved this, bringing its score to 6 out of 10.
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with durable materials, featuring IP68 water and dust resistance. The iPhone 13 utilizes Ceramic Shield for its front cover, enhancing drop performance. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.

Both smartphones deliver robust performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though they achieve this through different internal architectures.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 13 is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, ensuring a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, depending on the region, features a high-performance processor designed for efficient multitasking and gaming, capable of handling graphically intensive applications.
• System Responsiveness: Users of both devices generally report smooth operation and quick app loading times. The iPhone 13's integrated hardware and software optimization contribute to its fluid performance. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's processor is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, enhancing features like camera performance and voice assistants.
• Storage and RAM: The iPhone 13 offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, and comes with 4GB of RAM. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal memory, coupled with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing ample space and multitasking capacity.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13 features a battery that provides a full day of use for most users, with some tests showing around 7 hours and 45 minutes of screen-on time under mixed usage. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 4500mAh battery, offering decent battery life, with users reporting around 5 to 6.5 hours of screen-on time with moderate to intense use.

The visual experience on both devices is a highlight, with each offering vibrant and clear displays tailored for media consumption and daily interaction.

• Display Technology: The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast ratio, and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which also delivers accurate and realistic colors.
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 13 has a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 PPI, providing sharp and detailed visuals. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 2340x1080 pixel resolution at 403 PPI, ensuring clear images and text.
• Brightness Levels: Both phones offer excellent brightness. The iPhone 13 reaches 800 nits typical brightness and up to 1200 nits peak brightness for HDR content. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also boasts a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
• Refresh Rate: A notable difference is the refresh rate. The iPhone 13 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone 13 offer capable camera systems, designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

• Camera System Capabilities: The iPhone 13 features a dual 12MP camera system with a main wide lens and an ultra-wide lens, including sensor-shift optical image stabilization on the main sensor. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a triple camera setup, comprising a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: Both devices excel in everyday photography, producing detailed images with good color accuracy. The iPhone 13 includes features like Cinematic mode for video, Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 4, enhancing its photographic versatility. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers strong low-light performance and a 32MP front-facing camera for detailed selfies.
• Video Recording Quality: The iPhone 13 supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 frames per second, along with Cinematic mode for a shallow depth of field effect in videos. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G records 4K video at 60 frames per second and offers features like 30x digital zoom.
• Audio Experience: Both phones are equipped with stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio experience for media consumption.